“When I shop, the world gets better, and the world is better, but then it’s not, and I need to do it again.” – Rebecca Bloomwood (‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ movie)
Doesn’t it seem to be like a dreamland when you see the new shiny clothes in the stores? Doesn’t the shopping therapy prove to be the best when you have to cheer up yourself or a friend? Isn’t shopping the perfect stress buster? For all the shopaholics there, I guess the answer to all these questions is going to be YES! YES! YES! Since the Friendship Day hangover is not over yet, I’m sure you would be reminded of the shopping spree you had with your companions, whether you had intended for it or not (doesn’t really matter), when you read this. But since there are different kinds of shoppers with different kinds of requirements, I’m going to split them up into two categories- ‘The Mall Folks’ and ‘The Bazaar People’. And given that we are going to ‘talk shop’, it is certain that all the women from Jaipur, who are going to be reading this, are definitely going to feel as if this is the story of their lives.
The Mall Folks
1.Lifestyle at MGF mall
The first choice for most of the mall going crowd is Lifestyle at MGF mall. Your clothing selections range from casual wear to ethnic wear, from dresses to denims. And it’s not all about clothes for the ladies, you know. Above the clothing section, you can find shoes for men and women, a collection for kids and lots more. And if the kids or companion(s) tagging along are not as enthusiastic as you are about shopping, then you can always send them to the food court or the game zone on the top floor of the mall.
2. Westside at City Pulse mall
This brand is a personal favorite of those who like it the elegant way. The stylish outfits and their different designs are eye catching making it hard to resist for shoppers to leave empty handed. And if the people accompanying have already made their selections, then they can enjoy subway sandwiches and other food stalls located in the mall.
3. Gaurav Towers
This mall is the most happening place of the city and is frequented mostly by the youngsters. With some of the leading brands, like Woodland, Levis etc., situated here, you can spend the whole day at GT even when you are not shopping as it also has food stalls that interest everyone. The basement shops offer affordable fashion that generally no one can resist.
The Bazaar People
1. Johari Bazaar
For all those who ‘walk the shop’ and believe in checking out every store in the area, I’m sure this place has been on your list. As the name suggests, this place is renowned for jewelry. Necklaces, bangles, rings and the list could go on. Every kind of ornament can be found here studded with gems like diamonds, rubies, emerald etc. And it’s not only about jewelry because you can find attractive traditional wear.
2. Bapu Bazaar/ Nehru Bazaar
This bazaar is usually number one on your list when it comes to going on a shopping trip. From stunning Mojris to original leather bags, it is the destination for all women who like to come back home late evening with hands full of shopping bags and a smile on their faces with the next trip to the bazaar on their minds.
3. Badi Choupad’s Main market (Hawa Mahal)
This colorful market is the life of all shopaholics who have an eye for fabric. The experienced shoppers love buying quilts and clothes from here. With their expert hands examining the fabric the Jaipurites can just feel and tell what it is made of. Shopping is a thrilling experience for every shopaholic and for the people living in Jaipur it is got to be a real pleasure because of the number of places you can go to get just the thing you want. I’m reminded of another ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ movie line where the character rightly says:
“You know that thing when you see someone cute and he smiles and your heart kind of goes like warm butter sliding down hot toast? Well that’s what it’s like when I see a store. Only it’s better.”